Orlando Pirates have always had the desire to win the CAF Champions League for the second time ever since they came close in 2013.
A devastating 3-1 aggregate defeat to Al Ahly in the final affected the team somewhat, even though they ended the 2013/14 season by winning the Nedbank Cup. In 2015, they had an opportunity to win the CAF Confederation Cup but again, they lost another cup final.
A decade later, Pirates find themselves without a second star while their hopes of winning the CAF Champions League are hanging by a thread.
Last weekend, the Buccaneers were thrashed 3-0 in the first leg of the CAF CL second preliminary stages. The Buccaneers have been eliminated more at this stage they have in the group stages.
Why Pirates should forget about winning the Champions League
Currently, the Buccaneers are the best team in the country having won six consecutive league matches. On top of that, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men have already added the MTN8 in their trophy cabinet and are favourites to win the Carling Knockout Cup.
Everything has been smooth sailing in the league since the end of August with the team finding wins with ease at times.
Last weekend however. Pirates were given a wake-up call in the Champions League. An away defeat has all but ended their African dream. If Ouaddou’s men are to make a comeback, then there’s no denying that this might be their season. A second star could be destined if such a comeback is made especially at the Orlando Stadium.
With three points separating Pirates and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, it’s all to play for in the Betway Premiership. The Buccaneers need to focus more on the Betway Premiership and take advantage of their momentum.
Pirates have the squad to compete for both the Champions League and PSL but their full attention should be on winning the league. With the squad they have, they can reset and attempt to claim the second star next season.
Jose Riveiro failed to get Pirates into the group stages of the Champions League in 2023, but a year later, he guided the team to the semi-finals.
